Thrust bearing



March 8, 1938. KlNGsBURY 2,110,464

THRUST BEARING Filed Aug. 4, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet l 37x3 Wm,

Patented Mar. 8, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE as Claims. (01. sis-1m This invention relates to thrust bearings. and more particularly to thrust bearing! of the type employing a plurality of tiltably mounted bearing shoes associated with means for automatically 5 equalizing the pressure on the several shoes.

In my prior Patent No. 1,421,695, granted July 4, 1922, for Bearings, I have disclosed an equalizing structure comprising a series of bridged equalizing plates. preferably formed by cutting the same as complementary sections from a ring or ring segment, said plates having rollers, disposed between the overlapping pcrtions thereof, which also function to retain the plates in their proper circumferential relationship by engagement in apertures in the wall of a channelshaped cage ring. It is an object of this invention to provide a thrust bearing with an improved equalizing means of the type employing a bridged series of equalizing plates having roller bearing elements disposedbetween the overlapping portions of said plates.

Another object of this invention is toprovide equalizing means of the type characterized which,

by reason of its construction and manner of operation, minimizes the wear of the roller elements employed, to the end that said equalizing means will withstand a long period of service even though the conditions of service are such as to cause movement of each equalizing plate during each rotation of the shaft.

Another object of this invention is to provide equalizing means of the type employing a bridged series of equalizing plates which is relatively stable, both when the load is on the bearing and when the load is removed from the bearing, to the end that all danger of an equalizing plate tipping from its proper position and failing to function is eliminated.

Another object of this invention is to provide equalizing means of the type lust characterized which is sensitively responsive to fluctuations of pressure, to the end that substantial equalization of pressure is maintained between the several bearing shoes supported by said equalizing means,

and which at the same time is so constructed that the parts tend to promptly resume a normal position upon removal of any unbalanced force tending to move the parts out of normal position.

Another object of this invention is to provide 60 an equalizing means of the type employing a bridged series of equalizing plates wherein the supporting plates of the bridged series are so mounted that they tend to assume a position parallel to the surface upon which they are supported by reason of their own weight or any pressure thereagaimt and therefore return to such position immediately that the load is withdrawn from the bearing if, in the equitable distribution of pressure caused by such load, said supporting plates are moved out of such position. 5 Another object of this invention is toprovide equalizing means of the type lust characterized wherein the supporting plates of the bridged series are so mounted that they will not tip over when the load is removed from the bearing and 10 thereby possibly interfere with their proper functioning when the load is restored to the bearing. Another object of this invention is to provide equalizing means of the type characterized which is so constructed as to be strong and durable, l5 and yet relatively simple and compact, to the end that with minimum consumption of space a highly efficient and sensitive equalization of pressure can be obtained between the respective shoes of the bearing. go

Other objects will appear as the description of the invention proceeds.

The invention is capable of receiving a variety of mechanical expressions, one of which is shown on the accompanying drawings, but it is to be 25 expressly understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustration only, and are not to be construed as a definition of the limits of the invention, reference being had to the appended claims for that purpose. 30 Referring in detail to the drawings, wherein like reference characters are employed to designate corresponding parts in the several figures,-

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary diagrammatic section on the line l-l of Fig. 2 developed into a single 35 plane and showing an equalizing means with associated parts embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary plan view, on a smaller scale, of said embodiment of the invention; and

Pig. 3 is an axial section on the-line 3-13 of 40 Fig. 2.

7 Referring first to Figs. 2 and 3, shaft III, which may be a vertical, inclined or horizontal shaft and associated with any suitable machine or mechanism, has mounted thereon or attached thereto 45 in any suitable way a thrust bloclr H to which is suitably attached, as by dowels l2 and bolts It, a runner ll provided with a bearing surface of any suitable character. Cooperating with said bearing surface are a plurality of bearing mem- 5 bers or shoes II, of any suitable number, size and construction, supported upon equalizing means of the present invention. While each shoe "may be supported by said equalizing means in any suitable way, as here shown each shoe is mounted 55 to The entire bearing structuraas shown, is

wedge-shaped oil films between said hearing shoesandthebearingsurfaceoftherunneril" in conformity with the principle of the Kingsbury bearing as'well understood in the In conformity with the present invention, said equalizing means is composed oi' a bridged series of equalizing plates II and "respectively provided with oppositely facing lateral flanges 81 andllhetween whichare disposed roller bearing elements or pins SI, and therefore of the general type disclosed in my patent above identified, but

heretheplnsaare-restrlctedinlmthtoap mounted to tilt with respect to its plate ll, andto'that, end each of said plates ll isshownasprovided withahardenedinsertll having a spherically curved or rocker surface It 'whichisengasedwiththerearfaeeoftheassociatedblockilorwlththefaceofahardened In place of mounting each of the plates 86 on a single pivotal or rocker support as inmy earlier patent above identified, I mount each of said plates lt uponapairef rollerbearing elements 'orpins and 42, said plnsbeingdisposed symmetrically with respect to andon opposite sides ofthemedialradialplaneofsaidplateand'parailel to said plane. Thereby each plate jtis supportedbyapairofroller elementssymmetricallydisposedwith respecttoand parallelto'ther radial plane-through the centerof gravity of said plate. whereby each plate is thus given stability becauseofitstwolinesofsupportrespectivelyon oppositesidesoftheradialplanethroughits 'eenterofgravity. e

Eachofsaidpinsli andflispositionedina groove, 43 and M, respecti ,in thebase plate II, and in a groove, "and", respectively. in plateilbuteachofsaidgrooveshasa oicurvature which is somewhat larger radiusofcurvature-oftheaasociatedpin, posed grooves lland ll onthe one hand and and onthe other hand. have their centers of curvature slightly displaced circumferentially withrespecttoeachothersothatinanycross a scctionthetwoopposedgroovesdonotlieinthe' 1 samecirclealthoughhavingthesameradhuof.

the two circumferential extremities of Asthetwopinslllieinthesame said instantaneous center 41 any movement duces amovement atthepins whichissu itantialLv at right angles to a connecting said pins ",i. e., there issubstantially no relative movement in a circumferential 'tiireoac tion between the overlapping portions of the.

the instantaneous center isboth displaced law as allywithrespecttoitsnormalpositionandaisoi slightly displaced toward with respec'ttoitsnormalposition. Thisisaposi' tion of instability.andtheplate Itwillremain in'this position only solong as there is an unbaiso.

anced load holding the same, therein. Therefore, immediately that the unbalanced load is from the plate ll, plate It will resume its norml position of stability, 1; e., the position illustrated in'Flg. 1 with the plate parallel to the base as plate." 'Ihus the plate It is so mounted that. it cannot moveabout its pivotal support until end'or the other. engages the base plate, as might occurifsaidplatehadasingle knife'edgeor rocking support, andhence there is no danger that. '60

if'the load is removed-from the bearing, said plate It will assume a position that may render it incapable of performing its intended function when the load is subsequently restored to the bearing. In:a vertical bearing the positions 56 stability as above explained is one which the" plateflbyreasonof ltsowngravity. Therefore as soon as anyunbalancing loadiis withdrawn'from the plate a said plate will resume its pontion of stability, butat the same so 'timeitis'atalltimesfreetorespon'dtoanyim heretofore described affords considerable ilexibility'inthe design of the equalizing the instantaneous center about'whichlplate' I. movescanbevariedsoas'tobelocatedeithsr above-'orbelowtheplanepassingtbroiightbe centersofthepinsltbysoformingsaidgroovmu that the planes through the lines of contact of the pins therewith will intersect at the desired instantaneous center, following the principle heretofore explained In constructinga bearing in conformity with the present invention the plates II and I! are preferably cut from a complete ring, or a complete segment of a ring (if the bearing occupies less than a complete circumference) after the grooves 43, ll,- 45 and u for the pins have been formed in said ring and in the base plate II when the parts are in assembled relation. The diiference between the radius of curvature for the grooves and the radius oLcurvature of the pins is chosen with regard to the amount of displacement desired to eflect the designed operation of the leveling plates, the smaller the difference between said radii of curvature the less the range through which said plates can move to effect equalisation, as will be apparent.

The ring from which the leveling plates are to be formed and the base plate 2. are first assembled in concentric parallel relationship but with a distance between the two which is greater than that to exist when the parts are in normal assembled relation in the completed bearing, the amount of this excess spacing depending upon the difference in radius of curvature to be used for the grooves and the radius of curvature of the pins. The leveling plate ring is then shifted laterally (out of concentricity), to the right for making the left-hand grooves, anda boring bar is shifted an equal amount to the left from its mean position and said bar then used to form the grooves 43 and 45 along a line parallel to the radial medial plane of the plate 36. Then the leveling plate ring is shifted as much to the left of the mean position 'and the boring bar is shifted as much to the right of its mean position to form the right-hand grooves. The lateral shifts of the leveling plate ring are made at right angles to the radial medial plane of the plate 80 in order that the grooves formed by the boring bar shall be parallel to said plane. After one pair of parallel borings is thus made the leveling plate ring and the base plate together are rotated in concentric relation until the next mean position of a plate 36 is reached, and then the leveling plate ring is again shifted the predetermined amount to the right and the boring bar is shifted the predetermined amount to the left from their medial positions to form the lefthand grooves.

Then the leveling plate ring is again shifted to Y thejeft of its medial position and the boring bar to the right of its medial position to make the right-hand grooves. the pairs of grooves for the pins 4i and I2 associated with the plates 36 have been formed.

Thereby each opposing pair of grooves are formed as arcs of the same radius of curvature when the leveling plate ring and the base plate are spaced apart a distance in excess of that which will exist in normal assembled relationship, but each pair of opposed grooves are in concentric relationship only when the other pair of opposed grooves are out of concentric relationship. Hence when the leveling plate ring is assembled with the base ring and the spacing thereof is determined by the diameter of the pins 4i and 42, said pins,

by cooperating with the opposed pair of grooves,

' assume a position wherein each pin has line contact with the outer wall of its groove in the base plate and line contact with the inner wall of its groove in the leveling plate ring, with the two planes through the two lines of contact of each This is repeated until all pin intersecting at the selected instantaneous center of rotation for the plate 38 to be cut from said ring. As will be apparent the amount of lateral shiftfrom medial position of the level- 'ingplateringandoftheboringbarinmaking the grooves as before described will depend upon the radius of curvature selected for the grooves and the location of the two planes which are to intersect the two lines of contact of each pin with its opposed grooves, while said planes are themselves determined by the selected location of the instantaneous center and the selected spacing which is to exist between the centers of the two pins 4| and 42 under normal conditions.

The leveling plate ring is then suitably drilled to provide the apertures Ii for the pins 3!, and the leveling plate ring is next cut into sections to form the plates 3! and It by saw cuts-l2 and I! that preferably extend parallel to the medial radial plane of each plate and break tangentially into the drilled hole II as shown. The holes ii forthepins flcanbeofsubstantiallythesame diameter as the pins 3! because of the relative direction of movement and absence of rolling of the pins in a circumferential direction as heretofore explained. However, pins 30 may be made in sections, for example three sections to each pin, if, due to the radial extent of said pins, there is an undue tendency for'the pins to twist when.

equalizing movement of the plates occurs during the operation of the bearing. Pins ll and 42 may also be made in sections, if preferred as a matter of convenience in handling or grinding, and the same reasons may dictate the forming of pins 39 in sections even though no substantial tendency to twist may exist.

The leveling plate ring and the base ring should be made of durable material, and therefore are preferably made of forged steel, which is also conducive to accuracy in boring. The cage ring ll does not take any of the thrust load, and therefore it may be made of cast iron, for'example. To facilitate assembly said cage ring is shown as of inverted U-shape or channel-shape, so that it can be assembled over the leveling plates after they are in placeor the leveling plates may be assembled in inverted relationship in the channel of the ring I! and the base plate 2| may be bolted thereto before turning the parts upside down into their normal relationships. The cage so formedfor the leveling plates also holds the blocks II in proper position in the apertures is formed therein, and relative circumferential displacement of the leveling plates and base plate is prevented, except for the equalizing movement as heretofore explained, by reasons of the pairs of pins 4! and 42 located in opposed grooves in the leveling plates and base ring.

The cage ring is may also be provided with suitable lugs. as shown at 55 in Fig. 3,-to retain the bearing members It in their proper circumferential position, said lugs receiving the circumferential frictional force that tends to displace the shoes circumferentially during starting or and have openings only at the apertures II which are substantially filled by the blocks l1, lubricating oil may fill the cavities in thechannel-shaped cage ring, and inasmuch as oil may escape from this channel-shaped ring only through the conaliases I v inanysuitableway. certainieaturesoitheinbiocksi'landthea il.theconiinedievei- .ventionvmaraisobeusedwithoutotherieaturss with the principle operation oithe bridged series oi'equalising'plates heretotoreinvented by .me. Inordertocorrectsuoherrorsasexistin squaring up the thrust deck with the shatter ureme'nts. only-relatively sl s t displacement of the equalizing plates is required; However, the

permissible tolerancesand' other reasons. The present invention advantage of the known small displacement required for the equalizing plates and, while aiiording considerable flexibility in predetermining the amountoi such displacement permitted-increases the menus and durability or said equal-i lachpiatefltendstolieparallelto-thebase plate II, whether acted upon by its own weight only or also bythe load on the bearing. While the equalizing plates are tree to move and eiiect their equalizing function within predetermined limits as fixed by the construction, as soonas any even though it be assumed that each leveling platemust; rock once for each revolution of the shaft, therolling between the pinsiand the equalizing I plates has been kept to a minimum at the pins 39 by use'oi a construction wherein a minimum to! relative displacement occurs at said pins, while the presence of two rollers supporting each plate 80 compensates to a large extent {or the larger" amount of rolling displacement which exists between each at said'rollers and its contacting sur-' faces. Hence experience has demonstrated that wear at the roller elements is keptto a minimum.

While the embodiment of the invention illustrated on the drawings hasbeen described with considerable particularity, it is to be expressly understood that the invention is not restricted thereto, as the invention is capable of receiving a variety of mechanical expressions, some 0! which will now readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, while changes may be made in the details of construction, arrangement. proportion, material, et'c.,'without departing from the spirit ci'this invention. It is to be expressly understood that the invention may beembodied in bearings having a complete circumferential series of equalizing members or one having only a segmental seriesoi equalizing members where the bearing members occupy less than acomplete or inclined shafts; It is also'to be expressly understood that the invention may be used with any suitable number of bearing shoes, and said shoes may be constructed and supported or theinventiom reierence is to be had to the appended claim ioradeiiniiionottbewhatiselaimed'isl- Lin s a plurality oi bearingmemberameansiorequalizingthebearinglpremure'thereon and a base plate on whidi .saidequalis'ingmeansismounteisaidequaliaing means comprising equaiilingpiates on which said -a circumierentially flexible equalizing structure. andmeans tor tiltably mounting each otsaid intermediate equalizing plates comprising a pair or vroller bearing elements; disposed in opposed grooves in said equalizing plate and saidbase pl.- 7 v 2. m a thrust bearing, a plurality ot-thrust members, means (or equalizing the beare J. ing pressure thereon and'a base plate on which said equalizing means is mounted, said equalilm means comprising equalizing plates on which said bearing members are mountedyintermediate, Equalizing plates bridgedbysaid iirst named equalizing plates and on which said iirstmined equalizing plates are mounted to iorm tlmrewith a circumierentially iiexibie equalizing structure, and means 101' tiltably mounting each of said intermediate equalizing plates'on said comprisinga pair 01- roller bearing elements disposed on'opposite sides at the medialradialiplane equalizing P ates bridged named equalizing-plates and on which said'flrst named equalizing plates are mounted to form therewith a circumferentially flexible equalizing structure. and means for tiltably mounting each olsaid intermediate equalizing plates onsaid base plate comprising a pair of rollerwbearing posedonoppositesidesotthemedialradialpianeof said equalizing plate and providing-an instantaneous center of rotaflon therefor.

"4.In a'thrust bearing, a plurality oi thrust bearing members, meansior equalizing the bearing pressure thereon and a base plate on which said equalizing means is mounted, said equalizing means comprising equalizing plates on which said bearing members are mounted, intermediate equalizing plates bridged by said iirst named equalizing plates and onwhich said iirst named equalizingplatesare mounted to form therewith a circumterentially flexible equalizing structure, and

means for tiltabiy mounting each of said intermediate equalizing plates on said base plate cem prising a pair or parallel roller bearing elements disposed in opposed grooves in said equalizing plate and said base plate on oppodte, sides of themedial radial plane otsaid qualizing plate and providing an instantaneous center oi rota tion thereior..

'5. In athrustbearing. a plurality oi thrmt bearing members, means for equalinng the bearing-pr'easure thereon and abase plate on which 1 "said equalizing means is mounted, said equalissaid bearing members are mounted, intermediate equalizing plates bridged by said first named equalizing plates and on which said first named equalizing plates are mounted to form therewith a circumierentially flexible equalizing structure, and means for tiltably mounting each of said intermediate equalizing plates comprising a pair oi parallel roller bearing elements located between said plate and said base plate and cooperating with opposed grooves to provide for tilting of said equalizing plate, said roller bearing elements being disposed symmetrically with respect to the medial radial plane of said equalizing plate,

6. In a thrust bearing, a plurality oi. thrust bearing members, means for equalizing the bearing pressure thereon and a base plate on which said equalizing means is mounted, said equalizing means comprising equalizing plates on which said bearing members are mounted, intermediate,

equalizing plates bridged by said first named equalizing plates and on which said first named equalizing plates are mounted to form therewith a circumferentially flexible equalizing structure, and means for tiltably mounting each of said intermediate equalizing plates comprising a pair of parallel roller bearing elements disposed in opposed eccentric grooves in said equalizing plate and said base plate and disposed symmetrically with respect to the medial radial plane of said equalizing Plate.

'1. In a thrust bearing, a plurality of thrust bearing members, means for equalizing the hearing pressure thereon and a base plate on which said equalizing means is mounted, saidequalizing means comprising equalizing plates on which said bearing members are mounted, intermediate equalizing plates bridged by said first named equalizing plates and on which said first named equalizing plates are mounted to form therewith a circumferentially flexible equalizing structure, and means for tiltably mounting each of said intermediate equalizing plates comprising'a pair of roller bearing elements disposed in opposed grooves in saiddpqualizing plate and said base plate, said opposed grooves being non-concentric and having a radius of curvature in excess of the radius of curvature of said roller bearing elements.

8. In a thrust bearing, a plurality-of thrust bearing members, lrneans for equalizing the bearing pressure thereon and a base plate on which said equalizing means is mounted, said equalizing means comprising equalizing plates on which said bearing members are mounted, intermediate equalizing plates bridged by said first named equalizing plates and on which said first named equalizing plates are mounted to form therewith a circumi'erentially flexible equalizing structure, and means for tiltably mounting each of said intermediate equalizing plates comprising a pair 01' roller bearing elements disposed in opposed grooves in said equalizing plate and said base plateand normally held therein so that the planes through the lines of contact of said roller hearing elements with the walls of said grooves intersect in the medial radial plane of said equalizing plate.

9.In a thrustbearinma pluralityofthrust bearing members, means for equalizing the bearing pressure thereon and a base plateon which said equalizing means is mounted, said equalizing means comprising equalizing plates on which,

a circumierentially flexible equalizing structure,

roller bearing elements'interposed between the overlapping ends of said equalizing plates, and

means for tiltably mounting each or said intermediate equalizing plates comprising, a pair of roller 7 bearing elements disposed in opposed grooves in said equalizing plate and said base plate and normally held therein so that the planes through the lines of contact 01 said roller bearing elements with the walls 01' said grooves intersect in the medial radial plane oi said equalizing plate, said intersection also lying in the plane joining the centers of the roller bearing elements interposed between said equalizing plate and the adjacent equalizing plates.

10. In a thrust bearing, a plurality of thrust bearing members, means for equalizing the hearing pressure'thereon and a base plate on which said equalizing means is mounted, said equalizing means comprising equalizing plates on which said bearing members are mounted, intermediate equalizing plates bridged "by said first named equalizing plates and on which said first named equalizing plates are mounted to form therewith a circumferentially flexible equalizing structure, and means for tiltably mounting each of said intermediate equalizing plates comprising a pair of roller bearing elements disposed in opposed grooves in said equalizing plate and said base plate, said grooves being so formed as to hold said roller bearing elements againstthe outer walls 01' said grooves in the base plate and against the inner walls of said grooves in the equalizing plate.

11. In a thrust bearing, a plurality of thrust bearing members, means for equalizing the hearing pressure thereon and a base plate on which said equalizing means is mounted, said equalizing means comprising equalizing plates on which said bearing members are mounted, intermediate equalizing plates bridged by said first named equalizing-plates and on which said first named equalizing plates are mounted to form therewith a circumferentially flexible equalizing structure, and means for tiltably mounting each of said intermediate equalizing plates comprising a. pair of roller bearing elements disposed in opposed grooves in said equalizing plate and said base plate and providing an instantaneous center of rotation for said equalizing plate which lies in the medial radial plane of said equalizing plate.

12. In a thrust bearing, a plurality of thrust bearing members, means for equalizing the bearing pressure thereon and a .base plate on which said equalizing means is mounted, said equalizing means comprising equalizing plates on which said bearing members are mounted, intermediate equalizing plates bridged by said flrstnamed equalizing plates and on which said first named plate and providing an instantaneous center oi.

rotation for said equalizing plate which lies in the medial radial plane oi. said equalizing plate and in a plane connecting thecenters of the roller bearing elements interposed between said equalizing plate and the adjacent equalizing Plates.

. bearing members, means for equalizing the'pres-' sure on said bearing'members and a base plate which said equalizing-means is mounted, said plate and providing an instantaneous center oi rotation which lies in the plane connecting the centers or the roller bearing elements interposed between said equalizing plate and the adiacent equalizing plates.

14. In a thrust bearing, a plurality o! thrust bearing members, means for equalizing the pressureonsaidbearlngmembers andabaseplate on which said equalizing means is mounted, said equalizing means comprising a plurality of equalizingplatesonwhichtherespectivebearing members are mounted. a plurality j of intermediate equalizins plates bridged by said first named equalizing plates and on which said first namedequalizingplatesaremountedtoform therewitha circumierentially fiezible equalizing structure, roller bearing elements disposed between the adjacent ends of contiguous equalizing plates, and means for tiltably mounting each of said intermediate equalizing plates comprising a pair oi roller bearing elements disposed in op posedgroovesinsaidemializingplate andsaid base plate and providing an instantaneous center otrotationforsaidequalizingplate.

15. In a thrust bearing, a plurality of thrust bearingmembers, means for equalizing the pressure onsaid bearing membersand a baseplate on which said equalizing means is mounted, said equalizing means comprising a plurality oi-equalizing plates on which the respective bearing members aremounted, a plurality of intermedlateequalizingplateshridsedbysaidfirstnamed equalizingplatesandonlwhichsaidfirstnamed equalizing plates are mounted to form therewith acircurnierentia'lly fiexible strucroller bearing elements disposed between the adjacentends oi contiguous equalizing plates, andmeans ior'tiltably mounting each 0! said intermediateequalizins D tel comprising a pair of parallel roller bearing elements disposed between said' equalizing plate and saidbaseplate 'on which saidequalizing means-is mounted. said equalizingmeanscomprisingapluralityofequalizingplatesonwhichthemll flvebearing members are mounted. a plurality of intermediate bridged by said first named eqlialillnsplatesandonwhichsaidfirst named equalizing plates-are mounted to i'orm therewitha circumterentially fiezible equalking structure, roller bearing elements disposed betweenthesdiaeentendsotcontiguousequaiinng bearing members, means for equalizing the hearing I izing plates on which the respective a,11o,ses

ment and the opposed groovesalociated each rollerbearingelementbeingeccentric.

' 17.1n a thnmtbearing, a piuralityoi sureonsaid membersandabase onwhichsaidequalizingmeansismountemsaid equalizingmeanscomprisingapiuralityoi'equalplate and providing an instantaneous center of rotation for said equalizing plate which lies in themedial radial plane thereoi.

18.1n a thrustbearing, a plurality of thrust bearing members, means for equalizing the pres sure on said bearing members anda base plate on which said equalizing means is moimted. said equalizing means comprising a plurality ofequalizing plates on which the respective bearingmeme" are mounted. a plurality of intermediate equalizing plates bridged by said first named equalizing plates and on which said first named equalizing plates are mounted to term therewith a circumi'erentially fiezible equalizing struc@ ture, roller bearing elements disposed between the adjacent-ends of contiguous equalizing plates,

and means ior-tiltably mountins e h 0! S M intermediate equalizing plates comprising a pair of roller bearingelements disposed in opposed grooves in said equalizing plate and said base plate, said grooves and roller bearing elements cooperating to eiiect tilting oi said equalizing 3 plate upon lateral displacement of said roller bearing elements in said grooves.

lllnathrustbearing, apluralityoithnist bearingmembers, mearmior equalizing the pressure on said bearing'members-and a base plate on whichsaid equalizingmeans is mounwd. said equalizing means comprising a plurality of equalizing plates. on which the respective bearing members are mounted, a plurality oi intermediate equalizing plates bridged by said first named equalizing plates and'on which said first named equalizing plates are mounted to term therewith a circumferentially fiezible equalizing-structure, roller'bearingelements disposed between the. adjacent ends of contiguous equalizing plates. and means for flltably mounting each of said intermediate equalizing plata, comprising a pair of roller bearing elements disposed in opposed grooves inssidequalizingplate and saidbase plat'e,eacho1thegroovesinsaidbase platelnvingits center ofcurvaturenearerthemedialradialplaneoisaidequalizingplatethanisthe centerotcurvatureot insaidequalizingplate.

earn a thrust'bearlng, a plurality oi'thrust 'bearingmembers, means iorequalizingthepressureonsaidbearingmembersandabasepiata bers are mounted, a plurality of intermediate equalizing plates bridged by said first named equalizng plates and on which said first named equalizing plates are mounted to form therewith a circumferentially flexible equalizing structure, roller bearing elements disposed between the adiacent ends of contiguous equalizing plates, and

means for tiltablv mounting each of said intermediate equalizing plates comprising a pair of roller bearing elements disposed in opposed grooves in said equalizing plate; and said base plate, each of said roller bearing elements being held in contact with the outer wall ofthe corresponding groove in said base plate and in contact with the inner wall of the corresponding groove in said equalizing plate.

21. In a thrust bearing, a plurality of thrust bearing members, means for equalizing the pressure on said bearing members and a base plate on which said equalizing'means is mounted, said equalizing means comprising a, plurality of equalizing plates on which the respective bearing members are mounted, a plurality of intermedi ate equalizing plates bridged by said first named equalizing plates and on which said first named equalizing plates are mounted to form therewith a circumferentialiy flexible equalizing structure, roller bearing elements disposed between the adiacent ends of contiguous equalizing plates, and

means for tiltably mounting each of'said intermediate equalizing plates comprising a pair of roller bearing elements held in opposed grooves in said equalizing plate and said base plate in positions parallel to and symmetrical with respect to the medial radial plane of said equalizing plate, said roller bearing elements providing an instantaneous center of rotation for said equalizing plate which is displaced bothlaterally and axially when unbalanced forces are applied to said equalizing plate.

22. In a thrust bearing, a plurality of thrust bearing members, means for equalizing the pressure on said bearing members and a base plate on which'said equalizing means is mounted, said equalizing means comprising a plurality of equalizing plates on which the respective bearing members are mounted, a plurality of intermediate equalizing plates bridged by said first named equalizing plates and on which said first named equalizing plates are mounted to form therewith a circumferentially flexible equalizing structure, rollerbearing elements disposed between the adjacent ends of contiguous equalizing plates, said roller bearing elements being disposed in grooves in said equalizing plates having radii of curvature of substantially the same size as said roller bearing elements, and means for tiltably mounting each of said intermediate equalizing plates an equalizing movement.

ate equalizing plates being tiltably mounted on said base plate, said cage ring providing for ingress and egress of oil only through the clearances between the supporting means for said bearing members and the peripheries of said apertures whereby said equalizing plates may function as a dash pot in the event of vibratory displacement I thereof.

24. In a thrust bearing, a plurality of thrust bearing members, a base plate, an inverted chan nel-shaped cage ring mounted on said base plate and provided with apertures corresponding in number to said bearing members, equalizing means mounted in said cage ring and compris ing a bridged series of tiltable equalizing plates, alternate equalizing plates supporting said bearing members through said apertures and intermediate equalizing plates being tiltably mounted on said base plate, saidhase plate being secured to said channel-shaped cage ring to close the open side thereof and provide a closed unitin which said equalizing means may be assembled for movement into and out of the bearing structure. V

25. In a thrust bearing, a plurality of thrust bearing member, a base plate, an inverted channel-shaped cage ring mounted on-said base plate and provided with apertures corresponding in number tosaid bearing members, equalizing means mounted in said ca e ring and comprising a bridged series of tiltable equalizing plates, alternate equalizing plates supporting said bearing members through said apertures and intermediate equalizing plates being tiltably mounted on said base plate, anti-friction means disposed between the contiguous overlapping ends of said equalizing plates, and means for tiltably mountplate comprising anti-friction means cooperating with said base plate and equalizing plate to prevent circumferential displacement therebetween except within the predetermined limits 0 26. In a thrust bearing, a plurality of thrust bearing members, a base plate, an inverted chan nel-shapedcage ring mounted on said base plate and provided with apertures corresponding in number to said bearing members, equalizing means mounted in said cage ring and comprising a bridged series of tiltable equalizing plates, alternate equalizing plates supporting said bearing members through said apertures-and intermediate equalizing plates being tiltably mounted on said base plate, roller bearing elements disposed in opposed grooves in'the overlapping ends of contiguous equalizing plates, and a pair of roller bearing elements disposed in opposed grooves in said base plate and each equalizing plate mounted thereon.

27. In a thrust bearing, a plurality of thrust bearing members, a base plate, an inverted channel-shaped cage ring mounted on said base plate and provided with apertures corresponding in number to said bearing members, equalizing means mounted in said cage ring and comprising a bridged series of tiltable equalizing plates, alternate equalizing plates supporting said hearing members through said apertures and intermediate equalizing plates being tiltably mounted on said baseplate, roller bearing elements disposed in opposed grooves in the overlapping ends of contiguous equalizing plates, and roller bearing elements disposed in opposed grooves in said base plate and each equalizing plate mounted thereon, said last named roller bearing elements providing an instantaneous center oi rotation for the associated equalizing plate which lies suhatantlally in the radial medial plane 01' saidequalisinl plate.

Justin-uni;bearinil,aplui'alityoithi'ust hearingmembema base plate.aninvertedchan.

nel-shaped cage rim mounted onsaid base plate and provided with apertures correspondin: in

number to said bear-ins members. equalisinl means mounted in said cane ring and abridged series ct-tiltableequalisinl plates, a1,- ternate plates nipportinl said bearing members throuzh said apertures and intermediate equsiinng piatesbeinltiltabiy mounted on said base plate. roller hearin: elements disposed in opposed grooves in the overlavplnl endsot contiguous equalizing plates, and roller bearing elements disposed in opposed grooves in said hase plate and each equalizing plate mounted them .centersoisaidflrstnamedroiierbearlnleiements. 1 A V V 4 ALBERT KINGBBURY. 

